Cherokee Tribe

Cherokee Indians. A powerful detached tribe of the Iroquoian family, formerly holding the whole mountain region of the south Alleghenies, in southwest Virginia, western North Carolina and South Carolina, north Georgia, east Tennessee, and northeast Alabama, and claiming even to the Ohio River.

The Cherokee have long held that their tribal name is a corruption of Tsálăgĭ or Tsărăgĭ, the name by which they commonly called themselves, and which may be derived from the Choctawchiluk-ki ‘cave people’, in allusion to the numerous caves in their mountain country. They sometimes also called themselves Ani´-Yûñ´-wiyá, ‘real people,’ or Ani´-Kĭtu´hwagĭ, ‘people of Kituhwa,’ one of their most important ancient settlements. Their northern kinsmen, the Iroquois, called them Oyata’ge‘ronoñ, ‘inhabitants of the cave country’ (Hewitt), and the Delawares and connected tribes called them Kittuwa, from the settlement already noted.They seem to be identical with the Rickohockans, who invaded central Virginia in 1658, and with the ancient Talligewi, of Delaware tradition, who were represented to have been driven southward from the upper Ohio River region by the combined forces of the Iroquois and Delawares.

Cherokee Language

The language has three principal dialects:

Elatĭ, or Lower, spoken on the heads of Savannah River, in South Carolina and Georgia;

Middle, spoken chiefly on the waters of Tuckasegee River, in western North Carolina, and now the prevailing dialect on the East Cherokee reservation;

A´tăli, Mountain or Upper, spoken throughout most of upper Georgia, east Tennessee, and extreme western North Carolina. The lower dialect was the only one which had the r sound, and is now extinct. The upper dialect is that which has been exclusively used in the native literature of the tribe.

Cherokee Tribe History

Traditional, linguistic, and archeological evidence shows that the Cherokee originated in the north, but they were found in possession of the south Allegheny region when first encountered by De Soto in 1540. Their relations with the Carolina colonies began 150 years later. In 1736 the Jesuit (?) Priber started the first mission among them, and attempted to organize their government on a civilized basis. In 1759, under the leadership of A´ganstâ´ta (Oconostota), they began war with the English of Carolina. In the Revolution they took sides against the Americans, and continued the struggle almost without interval until 1794. During this period parties of the Cherokee pushed down Tennessee River and formed new settlements at Chickamauga and other points about the Tennessee-Alabama line. Shortly after 1800, missionary and educational work was established among theme, and in 1820 they adopted a regular form of government modeled on that of the United States. In the meantime large numbers of the more conservative Cherokee, wearied by the encroachments of the whites, had crossed the Mississippi and made new homes in the wilderness in what is now Arkansas. A year or two later Sequoya, a mixed-blood, invented the alphabet, which at once raised them to the rank of a literary people.

At the height of their prosperity gold was discovered near the present Dahlonega, Georgia, within the limits of the Cherokee Nation, and at once a powerful agitation was begun for the removal of the Indians. After years of hopeless struggle under the leadership of their great chief, John Ross, they were compelled to submit to the inevitable, and by the treaty of New Echota, Dec. 29, 1835, the Cherokee sold their entire remaining territory and agreed to remove beyond the Mississippi to a country there to be set apart for them-the present (1890) Cherokee Nation in Indian Territory. The removal was accomplished in the winter of 1838-39, after considerable hardship and the loss of nearly one-fourth of their number, the unwilling Indians being driven out by military force and making the long journey on foot 1See Trail of Tears Roll for a list of those participating in the march. On reaching their destination they reorganized their national government, with their capital at Tahlequah, admitting to equal privileges the earlier emigrants, known as “old settlers.” A part of the Arkansas Cherokee had previously gone down into Texas, where they had obtained a grant of land in the east part of the state from the Mexican government. The later Texan revolutionists refused to recognize their rights, and in spite of the efforts of Gen. Sam Houston, who defended the Indian claim, a conflict was precipitated, resulting, in 1839, in the killing of the Cherokee chief, Bowl, with a large number of his men, by the Texan troops, and the expulsion of the Cherokee from Texas.

When the main body of the tribe was removed to the west, several hundred fugitives escaped to the mountains, where they lived as refugees for a time, until, in 1842, through the efforts of William H. Thomas, an influential trader, they received permission to remain on lands set apart for their use in western North Carolina.

They constitute the present eastern band of Cherokee, residing chiefly on the Qualla reservation in Swain and Jackson counties, with several outlying settlements.

The Cherokee in the Cherokee Nation were for years divided into two hostile factions, those who had favored and those who had opposed the treaty of removal. Hardly had these differences they been adjusted when the civil war burst upon them. Being slave owners and surrounded by southern influences, a large part of each of the Five Civilized Tribes of the territory enlisted in the service of the Confederacy, while others adhered to the National Government. The territory of the Cherokee was overrun in turn by both armies, and the close of the war found them prostrated. By treaty in 1866 they were readmitted to the protection of the United States, but obliged to liberate their black slaves and admit them to equal citizenship. In 1867 and 1870 the Delawares and Shawnee, respectively, numbering together about 1,750, were admitted from Kansas and incorporated with the Nation. In 1889 a Cherokee Commission was created for the purpose of abolishing the tribal governments and opening the territories to white settlement, with the result that after 15 years of negotiation an agreement was made by which the government of the Cherokee Nation came to a final end Mar. 3, 1906: the Indian lands were divided, and the Cherokee Indians, native adopted, became citizens of the United States.

Cherokee Nation

The names of the last 3 cannot be translated with certainty. There is evidence that there were anciently 14, which by extinction or absorption have been reduced to their present number. The Wolf clan is the largest and most important. The “seven clans” are frequently mentioned in the ritual prayers and even in the printed laws of the tribe. They seem to have had a connection with the “seven mother towns” of the Cherokee, described by Cuming in 1730 as having each a chief, whose office was hereditary in the female line.

The Cherokee are probably about as numerous now (1905) as at any period in their history. With the exception of an estimate in 1730, which placed them at about 20,000, most of those up to a recent period gave them 12,000 or 14,000, and in 1758 they were computed at only 7,500. The majority of the earlier estimates are probably too low, as the Cherokee occupied so extensive a territory that only a part of them came in contact with the whites. In 1708 Gov. Johnson estimated them at 60 villages and “at least 500 men” 2Rivers, So. Car., 238, 1856. In 1715 they were officially reported to number 11,210 (Upper, 2,760; Middle, 6,350; Lower, 2,100), including 4,000 warriors, and living in 60 villages (Upper, 19; Middle, 30; Lower, 11). In 1720 were estimated to have been reduced to about 10,000, and again in the same year reported at about 11,500, including about 3,800 warriors 3Gov. Johnson’s Rep. in Rivers, So. Car., 93, 94, 103, 1874. In 1729 they were estimated at 20,000, with at least 6,000 warriors and 64 towns and villages 4Stevens, History of Georgia, I, 48, 1847.

Qualla Reservation

They are said to have lost 1,000 warriors in 1739 from smallpox and rum, and they suffered a steady decrease during their wars with the whites, extending from 1760 until after the close of the Revolution. Those in their original homes had again increased to 16,542 at the time of their forced removal to the west in 1838, but lost nearly one-fourth on the journey, 311 perishing in a steamboat accident on the Mississippi. Those already in the west, before the removal, were estimated at about 6,000. The civil war in 1861-65 again checked their progress, but they recovered from its effects in a remarkably short time, and in 1885 numbered about 19,000, of whom about 17,000 were in Indian Territory, together with about 6,000 adopted whites, blacks, Delawares, and Shawnee, while the remaining 2,000 were still in their ancient homes in the east.

Of this eastern band, 1,376 were on Qualla reservation, in Swain and Jackson Counties, North Carolina; about 300 are on Cheowah River, in Graham County, North Carolina, while the remainder, all of mixed blood, were scattered over east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama. The eastern band lost about 300 by smallpox at the close of the civil war. In 1902 there were officially reported 28,016 persons of Cherokee blood, including all degrees of admixture, in the Cherokee Nation in the Territory, but this includes several thousand individuals formerly repudiated by the tribal courts.

There were also living in the nation about 3,000 adopted black freedmen, more than 2,000 adopted whites, and about 1700 adopted Delaware, Shawnee, and other Indians. The tribe has a larger proportion of white admixture than any other of the Five Civilized Tribes.

For Further Study

The following articles and manuscripts will shed additional light on the Cherokee as both an ethnological study, and as a people.

1835 Henderson RollThe following is the 1835 Cherokee East of the Mississippi Census or otherwise known as the Henderson Roll. This is only an index of the names. Researchers should consult the full roll in order to get more specific information on each family listed. In 1835, the Cherokee Nation contained almost 22,000 Cherokees and almost 300 Whites connected by marriage. This roll enumerates 16,000 of those people under 5,000 different families.

132 Comments

jaimie
on May 4, 2018 at 7:55 pm

Hi, I am a 7th grader at WMS and I am wondering if somebody can help me with my project on Cherokee Indians because if anybody can help me on this project is someone who knows about Cherokee Indians, thanks!!!

I’m researching a relative family related to my Grandson. Family member name is John M. Lane born 1821 died 1894. He was a Cherokee soldier with the 2nd Tennessee Mounted Infantry that participated in the Red Stick War in Arkansas and the Trail Of Tears. He later became a confederate soldier during the civil War. He was granted land in Oklahoma because of his service with the Mounted Infantry. I believe his family was from North Carolina as the only Lane’s I could find in the 1830’s Cherokee Roles were of the Hiwassee River area of North Carolina. I have found one head of household named Ook she Lane with 3 members of the household. I’d like to know if Ook she lane was male or female and if a connection can be made to that family. John M Lane is supposed to have been born in Blount, Tennessee. I’ve read on a site that the Lane name is affiliated with the Long Hair Clan. Any help with this research would be greatly appreciated.

Am searching for George Monroe Robbins, Aaron Robbins, Joseph P. Robbins, and Oliver P. Robbins. My grandfather Oliver has said to be either Apache or Cherokee. The Cherokee did roam the Stephens County, TX area. So it seems he would be Cherokee. If anyone has information on this or any Robbins members please contact me at judyjabi283@yahoo.com

My Great-Grandmother, Martha Jane Marker-McCormack died a few months before I was born. According to my father, John William McCormack, she was taken from the North Carolina Cherokee Nation by German family named Marker with twin daughters. One of the daughters had died so they gave my Grandmother her name. She married William Bailey McCormack. I think in Missouri and lived in Missouri until moving to Iowa and settled on the East side of Des Moines. Her birth date is listed about 1865 but that may have been the birth date of the other Marker girl. She died 05-01-1946 in Des Moines and is buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines. I would love to hear from anyone with information on the Marker family that would help with this mystery and dead end in my search into my family tree.

I’m looking for any info on my Granddaddy, Woodrow Wilson Warren. His mother was Cherokee and I’m trying to find out what her name was. My GGrandmother became pregnant with Woodrow, but it was out of wedlock. She became pregnant by a man with the last name of Dixon/Dickson, (he was French/Cherokee) but she married a Warren and he adopted my Granddaddy. My granddaddy never talked about his mother or stepfather much. When my granddaddy was 13/14 yrs old, his mother sent him off to live with an aunt in South Carolina because him and his stepfather were not getting along. My granddaddy joined the army and was sent to Panama during the Panama Canal project. It shows that my granddaddy was born October 30, 1919, but he was actually born November 10, 1923. I think they changed his birth date because he wasn’t old enough to join the army. So he would have actually been 13/14 years old when he went to Panama, but on the papers he was 16/17 years old. My granddaddy also kept in touch with his half sister Joy/Joyce Dixon. He has two sons; John T. Warren (my dad) and Frank Warren. He was married to Evelyn Grace Collins. He passed away he in 1964. Oh, and his mother also lived on the reservation. I hope someone can help me. I just need to know what (his mother) my GGrandmother’s name was.

Please help. Looking for any information about my great great great grandmother. She was full blooded Cherokee. But my grandfather tried making her look more “white” by giving her a more Anglo name. So we are stuck. I believe her name was Cora Wilson. Relatives include Martha Bayless died 1903. Mother of Mary Jane Blythe dies 10-20-1925. She has an CDIB# too. Husband William Blythe but I think this was her 2nd husband. William’s son George Dillard Wilson died April 9, 1871. Not sure how to find out any other information.

I am looking for information about Sarah Livingstone (Livingston, Levingston) She married Seborn Jenkins. They had a daughter named Lucy Ann Jenkins in Wayne, NC who was born on March 18, 1852 and died on March 22, 1919 in Buford, NC. Family legend says that Sarah was a Medicine Woman of the Cherokee. Any information would be appreciated.

I am looking for our lost tribe. I am Barbara Smith Allen. My mother is Judy Hart Smith. Her mother was Ruthie May Boutwell Hart. Her mother Was Lily Pearl Grooms Boutwell. Her Parents were Sanford Grooms and Sarah Foxworth. Sanford Grooms and Sarah Foxworth and Lily Pearl were supposed to be full blood Native American Indians from the Carolina’s. They feared the government and white man’s medicine. They fled to South Florida to blend in with the Mexican’s working on the farms. They did everything they could to not disclose their Tribe for fear of hurting the Elder’s that stayed behind. It wasn’t until Judy Hart Smith was born that Lily Pearl told her and Ruthie May they were from the Carolina’s. But she could not remember the tribe’s name. Nor could she remember her given Indian name as the Indian names were taboo talk in their house. I was wondering if anyone has come across these names? Any help would be greatly appreciated! sheigh3@gmail.com

Do you know anything about original settlers at Ross Landing in Tennessee? According to book, “Tennessee Cousins,” author states McPherson was one of early settlers intermarried with Cherokees. Looking for first names of any of these McPherson’s particularly that would have been born in Virginia. Have found a James McPherson that operated a trading boat in Tunica Mississippi as early as 1840, and believe he may have been from Ross Landing. He was married to a Sarah or Susan Ann.

Hello. I am looking for information on my great-grandmother Minnie Lee Jordan (born Robison or Robinson) who was married to Audie Furman Jordan. She was the daughter of William Riley Robison (or Robinson) and Sarah Frances Butler. I believe that Minnie Lee could be Cherokee, Chickasaw or Choctaw. It appears that the families were in Tennessee for the most part but I can’t verify that. I have searched some of the rolls and census lists but haven’t had any luck. If anyone has any information they can share, it would be appreciated. Thank you.

I know this is a long shot but My great grandmother was Margaret Robinson she had a sister named Minnie I couldn’t help but wonder if there is a relation? I never knew her parents names but I do know that her Mother was Irish and from what I was told Father was cherokee? My email is pruittamy86@yahoo.com if any of this sounds familiar.

I was a foster child growing up. One of my great-great or great great great grandmothers was full Indian. She may have been Cherokee or Creek. I am trying to establish which. Another relative was Sally Rice, or possibly Sally B. Rice. If you have information on either of these individuals, I would very much appreciate the information. Email me please.

Hi my name is LaTanya and I am in pursuit of any information on my grandparents. My mother (Claudia Burnett or Barnett born 1/28/1946) was adopted and her mother was part Cherokee, name is Lula Burnett or Barnett born 8/19/1898. My grandfather I have yet to discover any of his information who was full Cherokee.

Hello, I am also trying to find out if our family legend is true that one of our ancestors was Cherokee. The story goes that some white man married a Cherokee woman. I have been tracing my family, and as they were all in western PA for generations I began to doubt the story. But recently I made some breakthroughs and I discovered that one of my ancestors was born in what became Burke County NC. I am trying to find out more about this. My ancestor Andrew James Arrowood seems to have had two wives at 2 different times one would hope, but anyway, Elizabeth Betts Turner and Mary McNutt both said to have been from NC born in 1730. Things are a little sketchy but their daughter Mary Ann Arrowood married William Cousins which eventually led to me. Do you think that there is a strong possibility that Elizabeth Betts Turner could have been Cherokee?

I’m searching for any record of my great-grandfather on behalf of my mom, who isn’t great with computers. I have only sketchy details about his life, but I’m hoping to get a lead. His name was William Cook, he was born blind in the twenties or thirties and was left at an orphanage in New England (possibly CT or RI.) Family believes he was Cherokee, but I dont know if that’s correct or if he was able to connect with his birth culture before he died back in 1996. I’m currently searching for his obituary, and I’d appreciate everyone’s suggestions on what websites to use. My mom has wonderful memories of what a good man he was, and I’d like to be able to find his story for her.

Hello I am looking for information on my great grandmother is full blooded Cherokee Indian. She was from Arkansa and married my great grandfather with the last name Laurent. He was kicked out of France for marrying my great grand mother. If anyone has any answers please let me know thanks.

I have been told that my grandmother had “head rights”. I am not certain what that exactly means. I was told that her mother was full Cherokee Indian. I am searching for information on Minnie F. Speaks, born 1879. According to the Chickasaw Nation, Ardmore County Groom Index, at age 20 she married H.E. Gage (Hugh Ervin Gage) on 06/15/1899 in Elmore, OK. My grandmother, Della Gage was born 07/25/1914 in Indian Territory, Elmore, OK. I’m new to researching so forgive my stupidity, but if they married in Chickasaw Nation would they be Cherokee Indian?

I have recently traced one living relative of my uncle, A. W. Gage, born 1904 in Indian Territory, OK. We haven’t had a chance to exchange information but from our one phone call she relayed the same information regarding our great-grandmother, Minnie F. Speaks. She was told that Minnie was full Cherokee Indian. Through 1880 census reports, I have determined her parents to be James T. Speaks born 1851, and Victoria C. Yancey (I have seen referred to as Sarah Victoria C. Yancey also) born 1857. The marriage license says Victoria or Victory C. Yancey. Both born in Arkansas.

How do I begin to determine the possibility of her Cherokee heritage? Both myself & my newly found cousin have hit road blocks. Most likely from lack of knowledge of navigating the rolls, etc. Thank you in advance for your help.

Does anyone have any information on any Coopers or Gardners from North Carolina being Cherokee? I’m a descendant of David Cooper and Sarah Sally Gardner through their son Joseph Edward Cooper. According to family, Sarah or David and maybe both were full-blooded Cherokee that came from North Carolina. I know where they lived in Yancey was historically Cherokee territory. Sarah was possibly an adopted rather than biological child of Ewil Pentecost Gardner and Mary Eustacia “Stacy” Hughs. I don’t know David Cooper’s parents’ or siblings’ names. And if Sarah Sally was adopted, I don’t her original name or the names of her biological parents or siblings. I haven’t been able to find them or their children on any rolls so far, but if I know more of their family to look for I might can find where someone was on them to prove Cherokee ancestry.

I have a Uncle David Cooper.> Kansas
Our ancestors traveled the Trail. last full Blood 1880 ncel Alan’s wife Comita Comel Gilbert
His sister Kate Thrasher Cooper Gilbert ( My great Grandmother) are of the Cherokee Nation

Looking for info on my ggggrandparents Edward Hill and Sallie Jones-Hill their offspring were Allen Hill,Betty Hill,Mary Hill John Hill their from Greeneville N.C.moved to Indian Territory in early 1900s once lived in Eufaula Oklahoma.

Looking for further genealogical information on my great-great grandmother. All I have on her is this: Ellen Simmons born 12 Mar 1854 in White Oak, Wisconsin. She married Francis Phillips 8 Mar 1846. She died 1 Mar 1922. I am looking for who her people were, ie her parents, siblings, etc.

I apologize for my typos so let me write a correction:
My great-great grandmother Ellen Simmons was born 12 March 1854 in White Oak, WI and died 1 March 1922 in Scales Mound, IL and married Francis Phillips in 1875 in Scales Mound, IL. He was born 13 April 1847 in Scales Mound, IL and died 8 march 1922 in Scales Mound, IL. They had my great-grandmother Mary Adella Phillips 7 January 1876 in Scales Mound, IL.

I am trying to find the name of my 6th great grandmother. She was of the Cherokee tribe and was taken to France by William De Goeleanor. They returned to Virginia they were married. The had a son William Goleanor who married Elsie Shepherd.

Hi I am looking for information about the cheroke tribe my dads side are cheroke indians his mom is full blooded indians with her last name being ross her family came off the reservation along time ago I didn’t know if anyone could help I’m trying to learn more about my family history thanks

Hi Elzabeth, I can’t be much help with the Indian part, I am searching for that myself. My reason for responding is that I noticed your name, Bullard, My father told me his mothers last name was Bullard. She was married to my Grandfather Purl Lathrop, her first name was Mallettie. I was also told that her mothers Indian name was Litchfield and her fathers Indian name was Bullard. I don’t know if that is any help but I would like to know if you have any knowledge of her or any information that would help me. Thanks. If I can help more, please let me know. Roy A. Lathrop Sr.

I am an adopted child; I have some information on my mother’s side, which is Cherokee I am told. I have some names but run into dead ends. Her maiden name is Dixon; her grandfather’s name is Crook, I am told. I found him in the Census of 1865, listed as white. I get bits and pieces but cannot trace him to her and then to myself and my siblings. I would love to pass my heritage on to my children and grandchildren and feel it is my right. If anyone can help, thank you. I do not know what other avenues to take.

Hi Sylvia! I am also adopted and was told by my adopted parents that my heritage is Cherokee Indian. I actually met my natural family when I was 18/19 at their request. As hind site is 20/20 I sure wish I had spent time with them and found out details of heritage but I was young and not really interested in building those relationships (long story). Both sets of parents, natural and adopted, are dead so it is definitely more challenging to find proof of heritage. I started my journey by getting an attorney to open my adoption papers to get my original birth certificate which shows natural parents names, ages, and birth places. The attorney was able to get this info for me. He was also able to obtain my natural father’s birth certificate so now I know who my grandparents are on his side. (very helpful). I just recently went on Ancestry.com to start my searches. First thing I noticed is I am only listed by my original birth certificate. There is no other info on me. My given name was changed when I was adopted and there is no record of me by that name. Just don’t give up. The Cherokee do not accept DNA for proving heritage so I would not waste any money. You will have to go to the reservation and speak with the Tribal Enrollment department. They will give little or no info on the phone. They will help you as much as they can once you are there. I’m sure you already know there are two Cherokee Nations, one in Cherokee, NC and the other in Oklahoma. Two totally different nations. Sorry I can’t be of more help. Good luck with your journey. Alice

LOOKING FOR INFO ON THOMAS JAMES MANNING FROM BURNT CORN SPRINGS ALABAMA. HE WAS MY GREAT-GREAT-GRANDFATHER. HE WAS GRABBED WHILE OUT WORKING IN THE FIELDS AND TAKEN TO OLKAHOLMA DURING THE TRAIL OF TEARS. HE IS FOUND ON THE CHEROKEE CENUIS OF 1838 ROLL # 11016 PAGE 53. MY E-MAIL roperville9@aol.com – PLZ FEEL FEEL TO CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO. TY!

Does anyone have information about “Tiger Hill” in Oklahoma concerning Indian history and settling? Also, was it allowed to remove your name and your children’s names off of the roll? If so….is their records to find that shows this?

I am trying to find birth or death records of my great grandparents. George Lineberry born 1844 died 1916 . Amanda F. Lineberry born 1875 died 1964 .I know they lived in Galax VA area. I dont know where thet were born .Any info would be helpful. Thanks

I know you can go to the NAC in dallas texas, take a DNA test, and fulfil all your needs. I personally want to trace everything by paper… im finding plenty of free resources… just don’t give up.. im running into problems of no birth certificates for anyone past my grandfather… which isn’t unusual…

im on facebook and can provide links, just add me to yoour friends… good luck in your endeavors.

When I was 7 years old my mother was told that I had to do something with the White Buffalo Calf Woman.The Indian that told her this drew a picture of me before he actually met me. Right now I am looking for help from my ancestors and who can help me. Please get in touch with me. Thank You!

Needing help finding my family history. I have some information but not too much. My grandma was Maria Hawkes (also my mothers maden name.) my grandfather was Haskel Ray Hawkes both lived in granite city illinois. My grandma was born and buried in roswell, nm. I am told i am cherokee and apache and half but i would really like to know more. If anyone could give me some advice that would be great! Thanks

Family history passed down says my maternal great-grandmother (Annie) was 1/4 Black 3/4 Native American, Cherokee specifically from Alabama. Clan unknown, but with Chief Eldridge’s family. I don’t know Chief Eldridge’s given name or even if he was a chief. Annie married a man last name NEW and they settled in Shawnee Kansas after Chief Eldridge gave them permission to leave the reservation in Oklahoma. Don’t know if New was all or part Native American or Black or what.

I want to trace the family line back to Chief Eldridge to learn once and for all if there is fact and truth to this history or just family lore.

Anyone that can provide helpful information will be VERY MUCH appreciated.

hi my name is kelly prince & i might be cherokee & another tribe my late grandfathers’ name is ernest james prince sr. & he was born in grafton west virginia in 1925 & he died on august 1, 1988 & my grandfather on my moms side of the family was born in 1923 & he’s from meigs county in ohio along the ohio river my grandfathers on my moms side of the family’s grandmother was sonoma curtis osbourne & i’m just wondering if i have indian in me i have the little crows feet on both sides of my eyes & my eyes are dark brown my hair is dark brown but it looks black. what tribe/tribes am i & how much?

Hello Rachel Stargell, Wow…I am also researching my ggggrandmother and was told she was Mollie of the Wolf Clan in South Carolina. Do you have any information on which part of South Carolina that would have been around the 1700-1800s? You can send an email to cynfenn@hotmail or respond on this platform.

I am searching my background and I know my grandmothers maiden name and her fathers name is Bell…. Carl Bell. I found him on the Baker Roll… That is all I know about that side of my family. He would be my Great Grandpa. Any help would be much appreciated. 🙂

I am looking for distant relatives of my late grandmother whos name was Connie Jean Harris. Harris was her married name as I don’t know what her madin name was but she was married to Carl Dabney Harris out of Fort Smith, Arkansas. My grandparents had eight children between the 1930’s and 1950’s. They lived in Fort Smith, Arkansas with all of their children. I wish I knew more about her but unfortunately she passed before I was born so I never got to know her. My grandmother was Cherokee Indian and worked in a factory. Please anyone could you help me find out what my percentage of Indian background is for my children s sake.

I’m looking for information on several people. Following a notice from a distant cousin of my husbands I have decided to check into an annoying family story that refuses to go poof.
Anyone have info on a Thomas Ole Goains? Tribe presumed is Cherokee. As I have a list of people to search and seek info on, I’m only going to list one at a time and systematically go through the list so that I do not have any issues.
Thank you for any help provided. You might be saving me from a huge headache as this cousin keeps popping up asking about this.

Hello Dennis, I have been researching for years, and run in to road blocks. My fathers side was Cherokee apparently. William Franklin Magee 1893-1927, whose apparent Cherokee last name was Strongbow. I found census records where he is listed as white. he married Blanche J Wertenberger. She married twice after that. but one of their children was Delmer Magee. I can find lots on Blanche, but nothing ever on William. I know he is buried in Clay County Arkansas, but that is it. I cannot find info on his parents or any siblings. But apparently he was full Cherokee. most of the census records I have found show them as white, however family pictures clearly indicate otherwise. Is there anything you can do to help me? Thank you

my name is lisa coline (bachedler – maiden name ) komulainen. my family has been researching our native indian heritage for about 25 years now and have come a little ways. i have some names of people that are suspected to be an ancestor but i can find no link to how they relate to the state of Maine.the latest names we have come to is thomas mitchell and sarah lancaster. sarah lancaster was born sometime before 1775 in Alabama (beleive in the area of Foster, Al ). this is reportedly the claim made by her grandson – William R. Hutcheson – that she was Cherokee. Possibly Eastern Cherokee Nation. Pheobe ( Hutcheson ) Hubbard was Thomas Mitchell’s grandaughter. He was born around 1768. a application was filed by Pheobe Hubbard implying he may have been Cherokee as well. The application # for Thomas Mitchell is 34225. Out come of the application is unknown. I am trying to find out if Thomas and Sarah are Cherokee what route i should take next to fill in the ansestor’s between them ( or thier children ) to my great grandparents. Their names are John Baptist Bachelder of Avon, Maine and his wife was Sylvie Elthea Campbill ( or it is spelled – Campbell) Silvie was born in 1892, whereabouts is unknown, and she died in 1944. She is buried in Rangeley, Maine. John Baptist Bachelder was born 1882 and he died March 28, 1971. He is also buried in Rangeley, Maine. Any help or possible leads in either direction would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for any information and Thank you for letting me be a part of this group.

[Editor]This comment was edited to remove contact details. Please feel free to contact Lisa directly via Facebook or by replying to this comment in the form below.[Editor]

I to am trying to find my indian hertiage as my gggreat granmother was said to be cherokee her name was elizabeth (Ebestle ) Bounds she married a william ragland have no pics an very little info other then words from now deceased family members where do i go ??

My Great Great Grand Father Married a Cherokee while he was hiding from the law for killing a man. I am trying to trace my Cherokee Ancestry. My Grand Mother was Lona Rachel Clevenger Puckett Freeman. I believe that the Clevenger side was the Cherokee side. Her Mother and Father were William Clevenger and wife Minnie Scarberry (Who was either full or half Cherokee. Minnie Scarberry’s Father was Tall Scarberry
Do not know wwho her mother was for sure. Tall Scarberry’s Parents were Robert Scarberry and Millie ? ( not sure what Millie’s last name was). I think this is the the Cherokee side.

I am trying to research my family history and when I get to my grandmother I am unable to find anything. I have always been told that my Grandmother was Cherokee Indian and I would love to find out this for sure. Her name is Bessie Mae Logan if anyone can help me. Or tell me where to go to find out any information. Thanks

I am searching for information on the mother of Mollie Chatham, born July 6, 1858 in Nashville TN. It has been told through the years, that Mollie’s grandmother was full blood Cherokee and possibly daughter of a chief. I know, that is very cliché, but that is what has been brought down. The issue is we have nothing documented. Mollie’s mother’s name isn’t even for certain. We have been told that Mollie had an uncle John Wood who lived across the river from her and he would come over in his canoe and take them for a ride. So it is possible that Mary Wood is the mother. Mollie’s father was William Chatham born Dec 1836 in Tennessee. Any help will be appreciated.

Looking for information on Chief Whitepath who died on the trail of tears in Hopkinsville Ky 1838. Also have the name White Fox and Two Feathers not sure about the relationship to Whitepath. Can anyone help?

Hello!
I am looking for an artist I have his works.
His NA name is BlackHawk,
he is affiliated with Alabama Echota Cherokee Tribe,
his Roll# 29457
I looked in final roll search but it gives me a 1 yr old boy as a result with that Roll #
Can you help me find BlackHawk? Thanks in advance.

To Missy DeLap: This is my first time on this site and I accidentally clicked “report comment” on your post instead of “reply”. I apologize. I also have a James A. Dobbs in my ancestral line. He was my great great grandfather. I don’t know what the “A” stood for but he supposedly was born in TN in or around Claiborne Co. abt. 1825. He md. Sarah Boatright in 1861 in Falls Co, TX. He died after 1880 as he was on that census. Two of their children were Laurissa Dobbs b. abt 1876 and Jewel or Julia Dobbs, born abt 1865. Other children were Hillard Cam Dobbs, James Parker Dobbs, Flora Emma Dobbs, George Dobbs, John Dobbs, Joanna Dobbs, Melinda Dobbs, Sam, Isbel and Sallie. Laurissa (Laura Rissie) is reported by family members to have been full blood Cherokee however I have not been able to document it yet. She was my great grandmother. Julia’s obit states she was born in Okla. which at the time would have been Indian Territory. They all wound up in and around Parker Co. TX. The census shows James as white so I thought if there was Indian there it may have been through Sarah Boatright. If this sounds like it could be your line or related, please let me know so we can share research. Thanks, Barb

My grandmother told/tells me stories of visiting her father’s family on the reservation as she was growing up. I am unable to make the connection. She says her father, James Carthell Dobbs was a full blooded Cherokee. His parents were James Atkins Dobbs and Eugenia Monroe. When I try to search the online Dawes, I am unable to see the results. Can someone direct me to a website that contains a searchable version of the Dawes. My grandmother is close to passing and she wants my family to claim their heritage before she goes.

Hi Missy, there are different rolls for each Cherokee tribe depending on whether they resided in the East or in Indian Territory/Oklahoma. There were Dobbs in both official rolls for each location, but neither of the rolls had a James Dobbs.

I find a genealogy of a James Carthall Dobbs, son of James Atkins Dobbs on an online tree:

I am looking for information about Thomas Jefferson Holt who married Delilah Elmire Daniels have a note she was a member of Echota Tribe Roll #183 application #21053 in Tennessee in 1882. Could you give me any information?

My grandmother Viola Parks was said to be Georgia Cherokee. Along with her father Sidney Parks. I have found this family to be in Pike and Griffin County, Georgia areas. The family finally settled in the Chattanooga, TN valley area. So would like to see if I can find other connections to her and her peoples. Any help appreciated….thanks!

Hello, I am trying to find information on Arcola Mae Harris Etheredge’s parents. We are told she was full blooded indian from the cherokee tribe. She married Milton Otis Etheredge in Nicholsville, AL on 4-27-1915. Any information or advice would greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I am trying to find out if my dads side is on the dawes roll number. his last name is dunnihoo. I was told by him that we have cherokee in us and i want to know for sure. can someone please help me find out this information.

Hi Dennis, I am grateful to find this post. We are in the process of adopting a native baby through our state, and I need to prove my native status/heritage and hoped you could offer some help. I was told by my grandfather and father when they were living that my great grandmother Alice Elizabeth Gaddis(maiden surname) Moore(married surname) was full blood Cherokee. I have hit a roadblock since I cannot locate her exact name on the Dawes Roll. I can only find variations of her name and am not sure if they belong to my great grandmother- ie Eliza Gaddis (card #3656 roll #9651), etc. I found an Alice Moore on the Guion Roll (#42131) listed in California. She was born April 3 1879 in Alabama and Died Nov 7 1956 in Los Angeles, California; buried in Borger, Hutchinson County, Texas, USA. She was married to John Clay Moore(born May 11 1881 Medina TX, Died 26 Apr 1951 in Wichita Falls, Texas). My grandfather’s name was George Henry Moore (Born:19 Oct 1912 in Cisco, Texas, Death:26 Feb 1989 in Bullhead City, Mohave, Arizona, USA ) and my father’s name was Jerry Clay Moore(Born May 25 1955 artesia cal, Died Sept 18 2000 granbury, hood, texas).

Hi Niki, by your own information it is unlikely that the Alice W. Moore listed in the Guion Miller Roll is your Alice, and that’s actually a good thing, as I have found that she was ultimately rejected from membership with the Eastern Cherokee along with approximately 100 other relatives:

Report as to application of Jeremiah Hubbard #3297, and other applicants claiming through Phoebe Goochee, or Dutch, wife of Hardy Crews, and her daughter Ann Crews, wife of Joseph Hubbard, and Mary Crews, wife of Hugh Meredith.

More than one hundred applications have been filed based exclusively upon the alleged Cherokee Indian blood of Phoebe Goochee, or Dutch, wife of Hardy Crews. It apppears from the applications and from the papers filed in the case, that Phoebe Crews lived in Person County, North Carolina, and died there prior to 1800. The date of her birth cannot be exactly stated, but her daughter Mary was born in 1752. Her daughters Ann and Mary both died in 1812, and Mary Crews Meredith, dying in 1823. Their descendants have been considerably scattered, apparently some going to Guilford County, NC, and afterwards removing to Indiana, and from there to Indian Territory or Oklahoma. Mary Crews Meredith apparently lived a part of the time in Bedford County, Virginia, as her son John was born there in 1779. Person, Stokes and Guilford counties, North Carolina, were never within the recognized domain of the Cherokee nation, and there were no Cherokee lands anywhere near those counties after the year 1777. In 1835 the Cherokee domain did not extend within 200 miles of these counties. There is nothing in the case to indicate that any of these claimants, or their ancestors back to Phoebe Crews, have lived with any tribe of Indians after the marriage of said Phoebe to her white husband Hardy Crews. One of the descendants of Ann Crews Hubbard, caroline Newby Painter (a great-grand-daughter) was born in Indiana as early as 1833 (see application #41017), and one of the decendants of Mary Crews Meredith (a great-grand-daughter), Ann E. Starbuck, was born in Wayne County, Indiana in 1829, (see application #42866). According to all the information at hand, and the testimony taken in the case, (see Misc. Test. Pages 2285 and 3175), these claimants have always been recognized as white people and have not lived amontg the Cherokees in Oklahoma were some members of the family have made strenuous effort to be recognized and enrolled as Cherokee Indians. These efforts have uniformly failed. one of these claimants, Florence A. Mason, herself 22 years of age, files appplication #41041, and she is the great-great-great-great-great-grand-daughter of the Indian ancestor, Phoebe Dutch Crews, and she is still living in Indiana. From some of the statements in the case it does appear that Jeremiah Hubbard, the son of Ann Crews Hubbard, had some dealings with the Cherokee people about the time of the treaty of 1835, and it seems possible that he was used either as an interpreter or as an attorney in presenting the claims of the Cherokees in washington, but the fact also seems to be that hw was picked up by the Cherokee delegation on its way to Washington, as he at that time lived a very long distance from the Cherokee reservation. No one of these claimants were enrolled in 1851, nor does the name of any one of the parents appear on that roll, or on the roll of 1835. The family was well-known and there is no possibility that they could have been enrolled under Indian names. It is perfectly plain from the applications and the papers filed therewith that neither these parties, nor their ancestors, were recognized members of the Eastern Cherokee tribe of Indians in 1835-6 oor 1846. These claims are therefore all rejected.

Eliza was the daughter of Jessee and Mary Chummity. She was age 25, and a full-blood of the Creek tribe. She was also is recorded on her card as having died 21 April 1899.

Finally, Alice Gaddis in the 1900 census.

I do find Alice in the 1900 census, enumerated with her widowed father James R. Gaddis in Eastland Texas. The census lists her as born in April 1880 (one year difference is not unusual) in Alabama. Also residing within the family were her siblings: Emily, George, Mary, and Francis. James R. Gaddis, born March 1852 in Georgia, reported his father as being born in North Carolina and his mother as born in Georgia. All were recorded as white.

The 1860 census, finds a young James residing in the home of his parents Linden and Emily (Dickersoon) Gaddis in Marion County Alabama. The 1850 census find Linden residing with Emily in Cherokee County Georgia. This is further backed by tax records which show him being taxed in 1849 in Cherokee County Georgia. Both the 1850 and 1860 census report the family as white.

Linden Gaddis is reported as born in Randolph North Carolina in 1821. He was the son of John and Jane (James) Gaddis, both of them are reportedly born in England.

Family stories about Native American heritage can be very difficult to prove, especially when dealing with eastern Indian tribes. None of the above has been professionally researched and is merely a snapshot of what I’m seeing in the records concerning this family. I’m sorry it isn’t the results you wanted, it is though the results I find. Dennis

I was researching our great-great-great grandparent on the indian list and found my great-great-grandmaother name and 3 numbers as an id number. Also found my grandmother name on the list. What are the 3 different numbers mean, and what do I do now that I found this info. I almost fainted.

Well I am starting to research my Cherokee bloodline. kind of just surfing the Net to see the different sites to research. I have a family tree, and some names. But the main person I am starting my search with is my Great Great Grandmother which is said to be `100% Cherokee Indian. Nancy Rayburn, So her parents would be both Cherokee. And I do have their names too. My cousin says her (Nancy) givin last name is “Rainwater” and is from Kentucky in 1861. Now I need to fig. out the rest. Any ideas where to start. lol I kind of want to do as much as i can before I start paying on the sites, you know what I mean… So any help would be great. Thank you in advavce.

Have nowhere to start. I know that my family in Floyd County married people of the Cherokee tribe, but they left no records of Native American names. My family name is McPeak. Lived on Buffalo Mountain in Floyd. I can’t start a search because I have no names. Is there an easier way to research this? Many members of my family share traits with them. Any help is greatly appreciated.

My great grandpa was full blooded Cherokee Indian. I don’t know much about him, but he and my great grandma had 4 children, Monte, Elmer, Clayton, and Rebecca. My great grandmother went by Ruth, but her real name was Hattie May. Its there a way for me to find out more about them? I have tried every ancestry site and cant find any connections. My great grandmother was born around 1911, and was married to my great grand father young. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. My family is from California, but my mother was born in Port Authur Texas, and her dad is still there, so there may be a connection to Texas. “white” EAGLE is the family name. Thanks.

I am looking for information about Elizabeth “Betsy” Leek Boggs Sevier (aka Ar No Wa Kee or “Watty”). She was born in 1811 in the Cherokee Nation settlement near what is now Chattanooga, TN. She died in 1898 in Buckhorn, Oklahoma in the general area of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. I believe she was married to Joseph Eugene Sevier of the Tennessee Sevier’s. She is listed on the Old Settlers Roll (pgs 103, 419, 420). She was my 3rd gr grandmother.

Her daughter, Rachael, married Mark “A C” Edward Thornberry. He was born in 1837 in Virginia and died about 1891 in Onapa, Oklahoma. During the Civil war he served in Company B of the First Creek Mounted Volunteers (Confederate). I have not been able to verify if he was Creek or not and cannot find anything about his parents.

Their son, William Washington Thornberry, married my great grandmother, Norma Lucas. She was born in 1880 in Indian Territory, Oklahoma and we thought she had died giving birth to twins, Vance and Ethel in 1904. But I have since come across their marriage certificate dated 9 months after the twins were born. I found an old newspaper article that says “Mrs. Will Thornberry died in 1907.” I don’t know how to verify if this was her. I did find her on the 1900 Census and she is listed as part Cherokee; her mother was living with her (Emma Sawyer Lucas) and is also listed as part Cherokee.

I am looking for anything that will help officially document my Cherokee ancestry. DNA test dis say I am about 2% Native American Indian.

I just found a note from my mother that my grandfather, Vance Thornberry, worked on a government project in Tennessee and had to have a delayed birth certificate created for the job. Until then he was known as “The Indian” (yep, the one mentioned in the Pretty Boy Floyd movies). Does anyone know anything about delayed birth certificates?

Hi! I have been digging through my genealogy. My father has Cherokee blood. I don’t have any other stories! I have info on his mom-Her name is Janice Dean Williams, Sherrill is her maiden name, 1933-2009, Otlie Sherrill is her father, Gladys H Snyder is her Mother. All of her family is from the East coast. I have a I’m losing some information about 1800’s with some name changes- Mary Polly Maulin…Sallie Short, Emily C. Sherrill, Rebecca Brown, Ashael Asa Elliot, Elizabeth Nugent aren’t going anywhere for me.

Hello. I have been working on my family tree for some time now, and my relatives tell me that we have quarter Cherokee in our blood. they say it was a member named James Monday,(Mondy), about 1852 or 1884.. I have been looking everywhere that people have told me, but nothing ..Where can I go now?

I have more info on Ethel D Rice she is actually Ethel D Moss born 1897 in North Carolina her mother was Matilda Jane Davis born 1867 Buncombe County, North Carolina and her mother is Catherine Davis I don’t have anything on her,can you please help me find out if this maybe my Native American line or any info that will help

I have an update on the Martha Lou Kinnel post.
Her mother’s name was Martha Bryant and it has been passed down through another granddaughter of Martha Lou Kinnel that her mother, Martha Bryant, was Cherokee and was on the Trail of Tears as a young girl and that she had a younger sister that died on the journey.
Martha Bryant was born @1833. I have not yet found out where but her daughter, Martha Lou was born in Missouri in 1859. I also found an 1880 census that I believe may be Martha Bryant, widowed and living with 4 of her children, all under the name of Kinnell, in Van Buren, Newton, Missouri.
I know there are some Tennessee Bryant Cherokee’s on the rolls but I do not know if Martha ever made it all the way to Oklahoma.

Martha Lou Kinnel/Kinnell was my great grandmother, she was married to Samuel Monroe Haggard which was also the name of my grandfather, Martha was born in Barry county Missouri in 1859 we think her father was John Kinnel. There is virtually no information on that family, so if anyone has info please let me know. I know Martha was Cherokee but do not know how much as they did not go into Oklahoma.

I am looking for connection to our Cherokee heritage for a Mary Ellen [Gossett] Harris (1884-1972) who lived in Oklahoma. We are having trouble establishing her Cherokee heritage although she clear was such.

I am looking for information of my great-great grandparents. My great-great grandfather, Martin Lee Johnson, was full-blood Cherokee. He was born in North Carolina around 1860, he died 12 SEP 1895 in Mansfield, Wright County, MO and is buried in an unmarked grave in Baker Cemetery in Wright County, MO. I have been told his Cherokee name was “Good Eagle”, and the story told is that after his birth, his father stepped outside and saw an Eagle flying overhead with its wings spread wide and he said it was a good eagle. Martin took on the white name of Jorge sometime after he moved to Missouri. Page 9, # 85 of the 1880 census has him living in Watauga, Watauga, North Carolina, USA, age 20, married with one child, listed as a farm laborer, and he is listed a mulatto. I have no their information on his parents other than reading on the 1880 Census that they were both born in North Carolina.

My great-great grandmother, Amanda Elizabeth Sink, was full-blood Delaware. I have found her listed as Manda on the 1880 census and Amanda on the 1900 & 1910 census. On the 1880 census she is listed as being a year older than Martin. She was born in North Carolina, she died 31 OCT 1918 in Mansfield, Wright, Missouri, United States, and she is buried in an unmarked grave in Prairie Hollow Cemetery in Douglas County, MO. Her father is WIley Sink born in North Carolina and no information on her mother except that she was born in North Carolina.

I have been told that both Martin and Amanda are listed on the Dawes rolls but I am unable to locate them. I would like to be able to extend my family tree beyond the five tiers I have, and to be able to give them both proper headstones with correct information.

My great grandmothers name was Ludie Jane Johnson and she was born in 1897 and died in 1991. She married William George Wood in 1917 in Carroll County Arkansas. I am trying to find her parents names and am at a dead end. I know her mother, who would be my gg grandmother was Cherokee Indian. I have exhausted all means I can think of!! Thanks for any help.

I was wondering if you can get info on Juanita Bonada Wyatt she was born in North Carolina around 1928 or 1930 its said she was born in the Appellation mountains and that she was part Native American,have pics of her that would suggest she looks like she does. I can not find anything on her except a document that suggest that her mother was D Ethel Rice,I know for a fact her father is Benjamin Franklin Wyatt
thank you

Hello my name is Shanna (maiden name is Olin) I am trying to find the family with the last name Bowling. My father name was John Bowling. He had passed away when I was 1Yr old. I have learned that my fathers mother I believe is Cherokee Indian. I understand that my father had three other children two girls and one boy from his first marriage. I am searching too find any information on the Bowling family. Any help would I would be grateful for! I have family out there that I do not know and desperately would like to find.

Forgot to mention John Bowling family is from Tennessee and his mother, sister, brother and my father John Bowling lived in California. He may have been a Los Angels cop got shot on the job had to choose another career and to my knowledge had build him self a construction business in California. I was born September 5th 1979. My mother name is Diane Olin. Once again in search for my long lost family. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

I am looking for information on my fathers family. His grandfather was full Cherokee . He is descendant of the Mclemore Cove group. His grandfather was George McLemore birth 12/25/1860 death 1/17/1950. His daughter Edna Elizabeth Mclemore birth 4/26/1914 death 1/18/2003. My father Loyce Joe Lovvorn birth 6/9/1944 death 12/26/2003. He asked me to find our roll numbers. I have searched for ten years. I can not find help from family. I have a Dawes roll number 3 2451 that I found for George. Can you please help me fulfill my Dad’s wishes. I just don’t know where to look.

Hi Jackie,
Indeed if your father can prove descent from the George W. McLemore in the Dawes Roll then you can make a case for enrollment. But you’ll need the actual records to show descent from this specific George, and that’s an important step in the process. Since your grandmother, Edna Elizabeth was born after the Dawes Roll was developed, she won’t appear on any of the Dawes records to prove she was a child of George. To help you get to George Mclemore in the roll that you have been told you descend from use the following link, it’ll take you directly to George’s family. The number you have is 3 2451, in actuality George is 2451, with no #3 at the beginning.

I emphasized from the beginning that you have to prove descent from THIS George Mclemore because it’s his line that has been accepted by the tribe as Native American. Unfortunately, this George clearly testifies in his application that he was born on September 20, 1867 “Q. How old are you? A. I will be thirty-three next September the 20th.” The date of his interview in which he testified was 31 July 1900. He also goes on to assert that he was born in Flint District Indian Territory, and had lived there all his life. We are talking about a family who resided in Oklahoma their entire life.

I found what I believe to be your family tree online at Ancestry via somebody else creation. In that family tree, some of their information differs with yours, and may help you prove your heritage, regardless of whether you can prove descent from a Cherokee or not.

George Franklin Mclemore, b. 12 Dec 1864, d. 17 Jan. 1950. Their birth date disagrees with yours, but the death date concurs. Note his middle name is listed as Franklin, whereas the Cherokee George listed his middle initial as W. George is shown as the son of William A. Mclemore and Jemina Nichols. I find this George Franklin Mclemore living in Bear Creek, Marion County, Alabama in 1920. In 1910 he was living in Granite, Greer, Oklahoma. If one were to follow his travels you would find him as born in Alabama, moving to Texas before or soon after his marriage to Lou Myra Osborn where the birth of his oldest child, William occurs; thence to Arkansas between the years of 1898 and 1902, as in 1901 his child, James, was supposedly born there; he then relocated his family to Oklahoma between 1904 and 1906, finally relocating back to Alabama between 1914 and 1916, probably on or near the old family property. In all the census records he lists his family as white. Sometimes Native Americans hid behind the identity of white in order to own property in the south, but this is not as common as family legends assume. I will stop the trail backwards from here, and simply provide the link to the family tree online. They’ve done a better job then other family trees of identifying John Franklin Mclemore and his father William Mclemore. Their family tree claims William as the son of Robert Mclemore. They claim Robert was residing in township 15, Cherokee nation, but that Robert was only 15 at the time, putting him as born in 1885. He certainly isn’t the same Robert who was the father of William who himself was born between 1819 and 1821. I would struggle to believe Robert was even alive in 1900.

Before the onset of the digital age, retrieving the packet of information for a family on the rolls was a difficult task. Most people could only access the index, which indeed would have showed a George Mclemore with roll #2451. It appears that somebody within the family then co-related this with your George, likely on a family tradition of being Cherokee, especially considering the name. I find Mclemore’s in both Cherokee tribes, Western (Oklahoma) and Eastern (North Carolina).

There are multiple families of Mclemore’s who can absolutely claim an official Cherokee heritage, as their ancestors were registered. It is also possible that others could have, but chose not to, or accepted an earlier payment for their lands and began to assume the white culture. These last were ineligible to register, but their descendants can absolutely still claim a Cherokee heritage, just not officially. I’m going to leave the rest of the research up to you.

There were no Cherokee’s of the last name Spradlin in either the East or Western Cherokee rolls.

It appears from online family trees that Mary’s maiden name came from the record of marriage between her and Johnson which occurred in Lawrence County, AL in 1819. I would look at the following three families as possible parents of Mary, and at the least, exclude them before searching further for a Cherokee connection:

David Spradlin of Warren County, TN
James Spradlin of Maury County, TN
Obadiah Spradlin of Wilson County, TN

There was a large family of Spradlins who eventually settled in Randolph County Alabama by 1850, but that’s quite a bit south of Lawrence County. There is no doubt that Johnson was early into the Northern Alabama area, but his timing better reflects a white incursion onto Cherokee-Chickasaw lands. What interests me is the lack of any other Spradlin records for Lawrence County AL. almost directly north of Lawrence County are Warren County and Maury County Tennessee, Maury, is only 75 miles away, while Warren is a little more then 100. These are the most likely choices. Perhaps Johnson conducted some sort of trade business that had him travel into Tennessee?

Hi Dennis,
I am looking for information on the surname Kinnel (the spelling may be incorrect). It is known that my GG Grandmother, Martha Lou Kinnel, was 1/2 Cherokee. No family information, past her, has survived and her husband, Samuel Monroe Haggard, did not allow her to register with the government. As a result, I have been told by other genealogists that since she didn’t register, I would probably not be able to find any information on her. I was hoping, however, that perhaps her father may have registered and that I might get some leads through the surname itself.
All the information I have on her, including census data, is on her page on my genealogy site here: genealogy.stewart-clan.com/getperson.php?personID=I000083&tree=tree1

I actually had given up a while ago, after an exhaustive search, but other, recent, Cherokee family links have sparked me to give it another try.

I’m in need of some assistance please. I’m researching my family history on my father’s side and from what I’ve found, my great-great grandfather & great-great-great grandparents were said to have been full-blooded Cherokee. My great-great grandfather’s name is William W. King (Oct. 15, 1824- Mar. 11, 1903). From what I have learned from other family members is that William’s parents were from South Carolina and it’s been said that William’s father was a tribal chief. The problem is that we cannot find any record of William’s father. No name, DOB, anything. All I have is William’s mother … Sophia King (1830 Hall Co. Census, Glade District) she was said to have been widowed but all of her children were full blooded Cherokee. I would really like to know more about Sophia and her husband, if they were in fact full Cherokee and what tribe/clan they were from. Any information would be helpful. Thank you!

Sophia King’s husband could have been James King, who is shown as an inmate in the Georgia State Pen in the early 1830s. Apparently James King was convicted of forgery. Another man named Flemming Parks was in the Pen with him and was also convicted of forgery. Whatever they did, they must have done together. Flemming Parks’s wife Bethlehem Blythe seems to have had close connections with the Cherokees. She may have been a daughter of Jonathan Blythe, who had numerous Cherokee connections. Blythe was originally from Pendleton District, South Carolina.
All of this is theoretical, but it’s worth exploring, I think.

I am looking to my great, great grandfather. He is Indian and his white name is Jpseph Dupont. He was born in New York in 1855. I am lost at where to start. Is there anyone that can help me get started. I did find him in the 1870 and 1880 census.

Glad to have found this website. I am hitting road blocks trying to find out how much Cherokee blood I have. I know that I have Cherokee blood because my dad told me that his mom was part Cherokee. We have one picture of her that was taken shortly before she died in 1942. You can tell from this photo that she is of Indian blood. I believe she may be 1/8th to 1/4th. Her name was Mary Bell Ratliff and she married Lewis Wetzel Blankenship. She was born in March 1900 probably in Buchanan County in Virginia. She died in 1942 I believe in Blackey, VA. I know that her dad’s name was Thomas C Ratliff/Ratcliff (1872 – ?) and her mom was named Nancy “Nan”. I believe her mom Nancy was Nancy Jane Cooper (1871 – 1919 McDowell WV). If that is so then Nancy’s parents were Isabelle Rowe (1845 – 1910) and James M Cooper (1846 – 1909). James was born in North Carolina. His dad was David Cooper (1824 – 1900) and Sarah Gardner (1824 – 1914). I believe David and Sarah Cooper were from Yancey, North Carolina. My biggest problems are trying to verify that my great-grandma Nancy Ratliff was indeed Nancy Jane Cooper and if so then how much Cherokee did her grandpa James Cooper have. Also, having a hard time researching my grandpa Tom Ratliff. Thanks!

I know this was a few years ago this was posted, but just wondering if you found anything regarding Cherokee with the Coopers from North Carolina? I’m a descendant of David Cooper and Sarah Sally Gardner through their son Joseph Edward Cooper. According to family, Sarah or David and maybe both were full-blooded Cherokee that came from North Carolina. I know where they lived in Yancey was historically Cherokee territory. Sarah was possibly an adopted rather than biological child of Ewil Pentecost Gardner and Mary Eustacia “Stacy” Hughs. I don’t know David Cooper’s parents’ or siblings’ names. And if Sarah Sally was adopted, I don’t her original name or the names of her biological parents or siblings. I haven’t been able to find them or their children on any rolls so far, but if I know more of their family to look for I might can find where someone was on them to prove Cherokee ancestry.

Betsy Applegate Te las sha ske
She was born in Ooltewah Creek, Polk County, TN in 1762.
Her married name was Sutton and she was married to John Sutton.
My understanding is she is listed on the 1835 Henderson roll. I do not know who her parents but would love to have that information and any other information you can find.
She died in Tenn. on The Trail of Tears. She starved and froze to death. She was not allowed to be buried. Her name name was little grashopper., and she was living near Chattenooga with her married daughter with the last name of Stricklin.They were marched in the late fall of 1838. She is listed in several documents and books.
Thanks,
Dee Woodard

I would love more information on my father and his side of the family. I grew up with my mom and all I knew about my dad was that he and his family were full Cherokee. He has since passed as well as his mother and father. I have tried to locate his family on social media but have had no luck. All I know is that his name was Austin George Reed,born August 1947 died April 1997. His father’s name was Charles. I do not know the name of his mother. His parents had 10 children,4 girls and 6 boys. They lived in New Jersey. I have tried searching on my own but have not had any luck and would like to know if they were in fact Cherokee or Native American at all. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

I am having the worst luck finding info on my family.. My Great Grandpa Ernest Llyod was born January 2nd 1931 and he passed away on September 12th of 2012, he was full blooded Cherokee Indian and was born In Tennessee.

I can’t find his parents, siblings or anyone for that matter, I will forever regret not learning more information from him prior to his passing. If anyone can help point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. One thing my grandpa did tell me is there was a book in Tennessee written about my family but that too I can’t located.

I’m sorry to hear of the recent passing of your great-grandfather. When researching your family tree, even a Native American tree, it’s best to start with what you know, and search from there. I was unable to locate your grandfather in the 1940 census records. It could be that his name is abbreviated or that it is misspelled in the census index I used. Is your great-grandmother still alive? It appears so by the obituary online – if so you should ask her (Susan) what she remembers of him, it’s possible she may have some old family records on hand which can shed additional light. Once you have a little better picture of your great-grandfather, come back by and post the information and we’ll try and help you from there.

I’m not wanting any funding I just want to know about my greatgrandpa his name was Andrew Benjamin Smith he was born in Macey, Arkansas on Dec. 3, 1866 died Mar. 21, 1918 in Monette, Arkansas, 14 days after his son was killed – it was said he grieved himself to death. My grandmas mother died 5 years later. Said they were Cherokee.

Hi, I am trying to research my grandfathers family. He once told me that my great grandmother was full blooded Cherokee. My family and I have been doing research for years and we can’t find any paper trails leading to her being Cherokee. I don’t know where or how else to look for this. If you can help me in any way possible I would greatly apprechiate it!

Jasmine, In order for somebody to assist you we’d have to know specific information about your great grandmother, name, birth date, birth location, where she grew up, etc. If she was full-blooded then there would be documents to show that.

thanks on the info Dennis, what about my fathers side his mothers name was Juanita (Bonnada) Wyatt and I was told her mother was fool blooded, cant find info on her as well,they came from North Carolina! I really appreciate you looking into this. my family has always talked about them being Cherokee but no one has been able to find out!thanks again

I am tracing my family heritage on my Paternal grandmother’s side and looking for any information on Samuel Sceina Blackwell and family. I have a copy of his and America Jane’s death certs. Her lineage is more difficult to find. His leads me Nancy Bushyhead and back. I have information leading back to Amatoya Moytoy and Quatsy Of Tellico, my 9th Great Grandparents. Now proving it…that is where I need help

I am aware of the unproven line of descent claimed by many through Amatoya Moytoy. I like you, have never seen that line proven, and speculate it would be difficult without specific written evidence showing a marriage/adoption to one of his proven descendants or the fact that an ancestor of yours was enrolled in one of the many Cherokee rolls and census taken.

In making any claim to Nancy Bushyhead it is important that you have the right Nancy Bushyhead. Apparently there were several of them in the same vicinity, some successfully made claims to the Cherokee tribe, others did not. There is a Nancy Bushyhead (Se-gar-we), born in 1887, and married to Ben Bushyhead who placed a claim in 1907 through her father’s father (grandfather) of the name Ja-gee Chris-too or Jack Rabbit. Note that Bushyhead is her married name, not her maiden name. Her application is # 15834. There is another Nancy Bushyhead, born in 1856, who was the wife of George Bushyhead who placed a claim in 1907 through multiple ancestors. Her maiden name was Beaver. Her application is # 11499.

As a final thought, death certificates are great for death records, they become less reliable for the birth information they provide, since that information is given verbally by the person submitting the information, and not from official records. It is apparently an issue in at least one attempt to prove descent through the Blackwell family and those descendants were denied citizenship.

Without further information on your specific line back to Nancy, it would be difficult for me to assist you in your search.

Hi Dennis, I just discovered we have a little more information on Ms. Ida Mae. She married George Carathers (record showed Carothers) on 6/13/31. Also, her father’s name was Alvin H Jones, born 5/22/1885, died 2/25/1954. Hope that helps!

The 1924 Baker Roll fails to list Ida or any member of her family. This is the roll which was used as the base roll for membership into the Eastern Cherokee Tribe. Here’s what I can find on Alvin H. Jones from census records:

Alvin Hawkins Jones, b. 1885 m. ? 1st and had:

James Jones, b. 1905. It is possible James is adopted.

Alvin Hawkins Jones m. Bertha ? 2nd. Bertha would have been too young to have had James.

I find in the records that Alvin and Bertha rotated between Jefferson and Hamblen County… Jefferson City resides directly over the county line in Jefferson County, and I found them there in 1920.

In the 1910 census I believe Alvin is listed with his brothers William and James in Jefferson County, TN, working as a miller. Since he maintained the occupation of Miller through 1940, this would backup my supposition. Unfortunately, I cannot find evidence of his first wife, or the son James, which should have been listed with him.

By the Tennessee Death Index I can ascertain Alvin’s father’s name as Zack Jones.

Once I ascertained Alvin’s father’s name I was able to connect him to a tree at Ancestry that takes the line back to James Jones born abt 1806, and possibly a Joshua Jones born about 1786. Let’s focus a minute on James. James wife is listed as Mahala “Anna” Fortner. Mahala is further listed as the daughter of a Sugar or “Shug” Forkner.

Many descendants of this Sugar Fortner claim Native American heritage through the Cherokee tribe.

Wyandotte Okla. 8/7/09 Clerk Court of Claims
Washington D.C.
Sir:
In the matter of my claim for Eastern cherokee Indian funds will say that I cannot give the Indian name of Sugar Fortner the ancestor through whom I claim Indian blood. and I can not give his age in 1835 or 1851 but there is an affidavit of my oldest Brother (who is not dead) Sent by my son David L. Fortner, in support of his claim that is on file in your office which ought to help me some as well as all who claim through him. The no. of my claim is 42320 I am 81 years old.
Yours Jacob L. Fortner

From Jacob Lee Fortner’s application: A letter included in his Guion-Miller Roll application #42320 states:
Wyandotte, OK. 4/17/08
Special Commissioner Court of Claims
Washington D.C.
Sir,
Your letter received and will say that I was only about 7 years old in 1835 and did not have the chance to be enrolled in 1851 as I then lived in Tennessee, My father and Grandfather had wandered from the Tribe and had taken no interest in tribal affairs for a long time which is the only reason I can give why their names are not on the rolls. I do not claim any Indian blood through my Mother. None of us were ever held as slaves.
We never participated in any pay/way (?).
I have not been enrolled by the Daws Commission I never made application for enrollment.
Sugar Fortner. (my grandfather) certainly lived with the Cherokee tribe at some time in North Carolina as he spoke Cherokee, as to whether he took part in Tribal Councils I cannot say.
Yours. Jacob L. Fortner

Application 42320 was rejected. Reason was listed as “Grandfather of 42312.”
Application 42312 was submitted by Robert B. Fortner, and 2 children. That application’s explanation for rejection is listed as: Ancestors not on rolls. Applicant does not show genuine connection with Cherokee tribe. Misc. test p. 2231.

It would be difficult to show that Sugar Fortner was indeed Native American. What we do know is that your ancestors were poor – frequently moved about – that descendants claimed Sugar could speak Cherokee. It is possible that Sugar merely traded with the Cherokee’s and that would have required his knowledge of the Cherokee language, so that in itself isn’t proof. Additional family trees show Sugar’s ancestry back to a Thomas Faulkner born in East Sutton England, and another has him descended from John Falconer born in Wales. Regardless, if either is true then Sugar wasn’t part of the Cherokee tribe though he may have lived and traded with them for a time in North Carolina as his descendants claimed.

Hi Dennis, I wonder if you may have some information I can utilize. I am helping my wife research her family. We are told her paternal grandmother was full Cherokee. We aren’t sure where she was born although we are told she’s lived in Jefferson County, Tennessee her entire life. Her name is Ida Mae Jones and we’re told she was born about 1913. She married a man named George Holly Carathers and had at least one male child named Frank Leslie Carathers. Frank was born in Jefferson County, Tn. We have just requested his birth certificate in order to obtain more exact information. I thought I would see if you may have anything on Ms. Ida Mae.

Hi,
I’m trying to find out information on my grandmother on my mothers side she was full blooded Cherokee. I remember her face vividly before I was adopted so I’ve always been curious to learn more. We are currently living in Fort Sill so I’m use to seeing Native Americans more than I did growing up in Memphis. So it has peaked my curiosity more so than ever . I just know her date of birth and when she died. I’ve spoken with my birth mother but she isn’t the best when it comes to ask important information.
Judy May Mae her date of birth was 2-16-1945 she died 2-9-1994 in Memphis,Tn. I’m not 100% sure where she was born at all. Her daughters are Treasa Ramsey , Joyce Ramsey and Lisa Ramsey and I want to say two sons but I don’t really remember their names.
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read my post.
Judy Kelley

Judy, Unfortunately you’ll need more information to conduct a search. Since your grandmother was born after the 1940 census, and she is the oldest person you know the name of in her family, then it’s extremely difficult to find her parents using the normal methods (census). I did find her in the Social Security Death Index and highly suggest, if you wish to further your search for her parents, that you request an SS-5 from the Social Security Administration. The application should (is not guaranteed) show the names of her parents and her birth location. The computer printout is not sufficient for your needs as the parents names is what you’re trying to gather, and it will not include them. You could also try talking to siblings of your birth mother if you’re in contact with them (since that’s free). To get the SS-5 from the Social Security Administration download the following form and remit it along with payment to the federal government address on the form. I had to order my wife’s grandfather (who coincidentally also died in Memphis) SS-5 in order to get his parents names as well.

Hi I am trying to find out about my 2nd greatgrand mother Maude Ethel Lasley or even her mother Sara( I dont have a last name)I was told that Ethel either was full blooded Cherokee or half now this is on my mothers side and on my fathers side I was told my great grand mother was full blooded as well the name I have on her is Ethel D Rice cant find nothing on both these lady’s if any one has info please let me know!
Maude Ethel Lasley

Birth September 17,1887 in Illinois, USA
Death August 8,1957 in Illinois, USA
Ethel D Rice born 1902 that’s all I have on her

Hi Amanda, I found three people who have Maude Ethel Lasley’s heritage back further then you. One has improperly identified your Sara as Sarah Ann Baggott, but Baggott was actually a name from her first marriage. That person lists Sarah’s father’s name as William Price Glasco and her mother as Elizabeth Caraker/Karaker. That would make Sarah’s actual name as Sarah Glasco. The second tree confirm this. Glasco is not a Cherokee name, but there was a family of Glasgow married into the Ross Cherokee family at a much later date. However, Price is a common Cherokee surname, it’s also the surname of William Price Glasco’s mother. Price is also a common surname irregardless, so don’t assume it makes you Cherokee.

If you use these researchers tree as a “template” and find the actual sources which confirm the identities of each person going back, then you may be able to better know for sure. Do not use them as gospel, I see numerous errors in both of the first two trees that make their information appear to be poorly researched (such is the problem with Ancestry’s “leaf” system, it perpetuates mistakes). Unfortunately both researchers lose the Glasco and Price lines in North Carolina / Tennessee in the 1700’s.

Ijust found out that my grandmother greatone . She lived on reservation in Alabama. For years. And am thankful you have put all this info in . Cause I never really wouldof known about her life style and in generalabout the tribe . Am very thankful to you